IT'S MAYA CHANCE TO SHINE: Southampton defender Maya Yoshida wants to establish himself as a first team regular at St Mary's [GETTY]

Japan international Yoshida, 25, was banished to the bench in the first-half of the season after Jose Fonte and Dejan Lovren formed a rock solid partnership.

Yoshida could have joined clubs in Holland and his homeland last month but an ankle ligament injury to Croatian Lovren prevented a move and has given him a run in the team.

“It has not been frustrating but it has been a disappointing time for me because I’m looking to play in the World Cup”

Maya Yoshida

He said: “It is very good to be back in the team and I am happy to be playing again.

“There is very good competition for defenders and centre backs so I need to keep applying myself.

“When I wasn’t playing the team was playing very well so I couldn’t be disappointed but I tried to be professional and wait for my chance and now I have a massive chance I think.

“I did not think about leaving. The stadium and the club are fantastic. My dream is to play in the Premier League and have success here. Why would I play half a season then go to another club or another country, that’s crazy.”